We’ve never had a situation like we’re experiencing in NZ and globally. I see it as an opportunity to draw on our strengths and resilience to work at keeping our spirits up and looking for the positives coming out of this. Avoid fear and worry as they weaken our immune systems. There are many things we can do for
Herbs placed inside a bottle ready for the cider vinegar
ourselves to build and support our immune systems and one of them is using infused vinegars.
Natural vinegars, like cider vinegar, wine vinegar or rice vinegar are an excellent solvent to extract the minerals, vitamins, alkaloidal components and essential oils that are rich in plants.
Four Thieves Vinegar
This infused anti viral, anti bacterial, tonic vinegar comes from the time of the Bubonic Plague. There are a number of variations on the story that tells the tale of four thieves, one of whom was a herbalist, who used to steal from the dead victims of the plague. The thieves were eventually caught and taken to court in Marseille where they were offered freedom for the recipe of how they managed to avoid the plague. They drank this potent vinegar and also washed themselves with it several times a day.
Herbs for the vinegar
You can choose what to put in this vinegar from the plants with antiseptic, antibacterial, anti-fungal, antiviral properties from the following:
Mint, Lavender, Sage, Wormwood, Rue, Yarrow, Rosemary, Thyme, Ginger root, Lemon balm, Plantain, Nasturtium – leaves or seeds (green seeds are biting hot), Cinnamon stick, Hot peppers, or peppercorns, Garlic
Vinegar of the Four Thieves Recipe Example
Organic apple cider vinegar, 2 tblsp dried sage, 2 tblsp dried lavender, 2 tblsp dried wormwood, 2 tblsp dried rue, 2 tblsp dried mint, 2 tblsp garlic – sliced
Four Thieves Vinegar Lavender in cider vinegar makes it go pink.
Combine dried herbs (except the garlic) and steep in the vinegar for three weeks. Strain and re-bottle. Add the garlic, leave for three days and strain again. You can also use fresh plants. Cut the leaves into approximately 2cm lengths. Loosely fill a jar with chopped plants and roots, then pour in the vinegar to fill. Leave for six weeks and then strain. Add the garlic as above, leave for three days, strain and bottle. If the jar lid is not plastic line it with wax paper or plastic as vinegar corrodes metal lids.
Ways to Use Thieves Vinegar
- For illness or immune boosting. Take 1tsp in water every few hours, honey could be added. Or take one tablespoon per day for immunity boosting.
- As a surface disinfectant – put strained vinegar in a spray bottle, spray on surfaces and wipe clean.
- As a insect repellent – put 1/4 cup vinegar in a spray bottle and fill the rest with water. Spray on skin, clothes, etc. From Wellness Mama.
Diluted, as a topical treatment for dandruff, or as a foot soak for nail fungus.
Stay well and take care! Until next time..
